Edinburgh castle invites guests for the sixth time, to step inside and see the fortress in a brand-new light. This year’s theme of Ice and Fire comes alive with entertaining projection shows, interactive activities and a stunning atmosphere within the castle walls.
But there is more to the process behind such a spectacular light event. For example, the great amount of effort includes communication between teams in concept creation, implementation and promotion.
Brig had the opportunity to sit down with the Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland, Kit Reid to talk about Castle of Light and the work behind it.
Maria Rud’s Live Artistry on Castle Rock
Something Kit said they was especially excited about this year was the collaboration with Scottish-based artist Maria Rud.
“Yeah so, I think one of the things we were looking forward to is working with this artist called Maria Rud. And she was working on the projection about the very early historic poem Y Gododdin, which a is a story that originally dates to the 5-6th century. But it’s kind of retold in the medieval times, as well as where we get most of our text.”
The exhibit is a dramatic retelling of the poem, with a recording of Maria’s brushstrokes crafting the visual story. Projected onto the castle’s bed of rock, it is the first thing you see as you walk through into the inner part of the castle. Mesmerised everyone sat by the canons, watching the poetry come to life; the next crowd eager to get a seat for the following viewing.
The Work Behind the Light
Kit talks about how the project is a collaboration between Historic environment Scotland and different teams from various production companies. Wartime Productions being the main collaborator, responsible for putting together a team of creatives for the project.
“…So there’s companies, all Scottish-based, such as Double Take Projections, Bright House Studios, and then working with individual artists like Andy McGregor and Maria [Rud]. And they pulled together that kind of production team or the creative team who work on it and then together with us, the organisations that looks after Edinburgh Castle.”
Kit goes on to talk about the division of work. He explains:
“And then I suppose, a lot of our work is almost split in a slight way. So, our team will work with lots of others in Historic Environment Scotland, around things like the ticketing and the marketing, making sure we’re bringing in the staff who are going to cover it. The contractors are going to come and do a lot of the management, the licensing, all the technical side of it.”
Once the idea has been set, it is eventually time to build everything. Kit spoke about the process and the challenges that come with a project such as this, which runs alongside the day-time attraction at the castle.
“And then the actual build side of it, I suppose, is from about two weeks from the opening, and More Production’s team will get onto the ground, and they will start putting the projection hides in, where the projectors live over the event. And they’ll work on getting all the lighting set up.
The Final Touches
He mentions how there are quite a few “complexities” in this last step.
“Such as the one around the dragon’s fire. Getting that to work and making sure it’s safe and also that the building is protected as part of it. That’s one of the challenges of working in a historic site, like the castle.”
Kit continues, “…but we also need to take into account that we’ve got lots of visitors during the day.”
“So, unlike other evening events, which can kind of set up an area and then just leave it and run it every night, we’re also running the castle every day for thousands of visitors coming in…”
He continues to explain that this adds to the importance that everything is set up safely, without inhibiting the experience for the thousands of daytime visitors to the castle.
Lastly, Kit describes the last touches before the first night.
“And yeah, then we gear up for opening. And that’s always quite exciting when we have our first walk around, usually a couple days before and see everything up on the walls and see everything working…”
An Event for the Locals
Edinburgh Castle is known a popular tourist attraction in Scotland. So, it may come as a surprise that the Castle of Light attracts quite a few local visitors. Kit told Brig:
“So, Edinburgh castle is very strong from an international point of view but looking at the percentage of visitors to Edinburgh Castle; there’s not a particularly high Scottish audience going to the castle.
“Whereas if you look at something like Castle of Light event, it completely changes, and it’s about fifty-fifty between visitors from Scotland coming, so it’s a really nice way of being able to engage with visitors.”
Kit explains how when something new or special is on, it seems to give locals a reason to visit – something otherwise dominated be tourists.
“And I think events generally, from museums, heritage sites, you know, are primarily about the local audience and bringing people along who might not come on an average Saturday…”
Kit also mentions how Castle of Light offered a reduced ticket for St. Andrews Day.
“…And for St. Andrews Day this year we did a ten-pound ticket that was really targeted at local audiences. And that’s part of a programme; we do for overall promoting St. Andrew’s Day and the kind of heritage and history links with our properties.”
He concludes, “So that was very popular, and we had over 4,000 people come that night because, it was £10 for anyone to go.”
A Night Inside the Castle
Something aside from the projections, is the atmosphere of being within the castle walls at night. The bracing winds catch you while looking down at the electrifying view of the lights from Princes’ street.
Kit mentions how this is one of the main reasons for why people are drawn to the attraction.
“…People just love being inside Edinburgh Castle at night, and also the views that you get out over the city… those are something, you could almost run nothing in there and just let people in at night and let them see the views and they would still have a great time seeing that. It’s sort of special being in there.”
Accommodating for Neurodiverse Audiences
Castle of Light also offer a “Quiet Night”. During the entire day, the light projection experience is adapted for visitors with additional access needs.
“So, we run, for example, a quiet night which is for neurodiverse audiences, where we turn down the lighting. We turn off the smoke machines, and the big thing is we cut the capacity right down. There’s a lot less visitors. So, we have a thousand people as the capacity for the overall night and that just makes it a wee bit smoother for some visitors who, you know, may not want to be part of big crowds or big surprises as part of it…”
A Dazzling Finale for £10
The last chance to go see Castle of Light with this year’s theme Ice and Fire, will be January 4. For the finale this year, they will be offering additional reduced ticket of £10. Kit said:
“So, you know, when you’re doing your last night, you always want to finish off with a bit of a bang, but by January 4 everyone is kind of gearing up for being back at work…”
“… So, this year, for the first time, we’ve done it… and I think a lot of people will kind of want to go along before they start back at work or before the kids are starting back at school, for one last festive experience in a way. Fingers crossed that is going to go really well.”
When asked about the standard cost, especially for students who might not have money to spend, Kit said:
“…And we do recognize, you know, that there is a cost to it. But it is maybe a bit more easy for some people to be able to do £10 for a night.”
Conclusion
There are a plenty of festive activities on in Edinburgh, especially for students, this time of year. And in the current economic climate, it may be a struggle to choose more than one. However, the Castle of Light finale is a wonderful opportunity to see the castle, especially if you haven’t had an excuse to go in a while. In the dark winter, why not start the new year with some light?
Tickets and more information can be found on Edinburgh Castle’s website.
Featured Image Credit: Kristina Wikensten
2nd year History & Journalism Student at the University of Stirling. Moved over from Sweden in 2024 to study in Scotland.
